International Timber Frames Inc. is working on the next phase of structural repairs to Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge.

This more visible second phase includes the installation of railing height side walls on the exterior length of the bridge on both sides. These are necessary to prevent water from entering the lower supporting timber structure; the lack of side panels was one of the fundamental reasons why the bridge end sections rotted out.

Last week five bridge panels were assembled and this week they have been installed at the center of the west side of the bridge working towards the north end using an innovative roller system. When the work is complete, the bridge will more closely resemble the appearance of other covered wooden bridges across North America.

This work is anticipated to continue throughout January and February, during which time the bridge will remain open for public use.

Over the spring and summer of 2018, rain gutters will be installed on the bridge. Again, the bridge is expected to remain open to the public during this time.

The Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge repair project was initiated in late 2017 after a scheduled condition assessment of the structure in 2016 uncovered structural issues and causes for failure.

Funding for the repairs comes through Town of Golden reserves, the Resort Municipality Initiative, and a grant from the Columbia Basin Trust.